Which of the following is an example of a methylphenidate medication?

• A. Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
• B. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• C. Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• D. Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Answer: (A)

Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication primarily used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Dexmethylphenidate, marketed under the brand name Focalin, is a pharmacologically active enantiomer of methylphenidate. This means that it closely resembles methylphenidate in structure and action, offering a similar therapeutic effect by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can help improve concentration and focus in individuals with ADHD.

The other choices provided involve different classes of medications. Lisdexamfetamine, for instance, is an amphetamine derivative used for ADHD but is not a form of methylphenidate. Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that works as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), while escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used primarily for depression and anxiety disorders. Therefore, only Dexmethylphenidate represents a direct example of a medication that belongs to the methylphenidate class, making it the correct answer.